2015 Leisure Travel Awards: Top Destinations, Hotels & Tours

For the third consecutive year, Global Traveler moves beyond the boardroom to celebrate the business of leisure travel, honoring the world’s top leisure destinations, airlines, cruise lines and hotel groups in the Leisure Travel Awards.

Nominations were submitted by Global Traveler’s Globility Board and experienced magazine staff. From those nominations, the magazine’s Advisory Board selected the final winners.

Global Traveler’s Globility Board is made up of well-traveled subscribers who act as a direct channel between the magazine and readers. These seasoned travelers provide insights about leisure travel preferences that extend beyond the magazine’s surveys and research.

The winners offer inspiration for every type of traveler: from the coastal allure of the British Virgin Islands and the postcard-perfect sunsets of Santoríni to adrenaline-filled activities like skydiving in New Zealand and immersive wildlife experiences with Lindblad Expeditions.

We’re pleased to announce the 2015 winners. Congratulations to those recognized as the very best in leisure travel.

FOR TRAVELERS SEEKING sun, sand and relaxation, Turks and Caicos earns Best Beaches with miles of uncrowded shoreline spread across 40 islands and cays, eight of which are inhabited, set in the inviting waters of the Atlantic.

The British Virgin Islands, a chain of more than 60 islands in the Caribbean Sea, takes Best Caribbean Island this year. Its picture-perfect resorts, miles of golden sand and a wide range of accommodations—from private islands and villas to secluded hotels on small cays—make it a top-choice leisure destination.

Santoríni secures Best Island in Europe for the second straight year, captivating travelers with the deep blue Aegean Sea, legendary sunsets, distinctive black and red sand beaches and archaeological sites such as Akrotiri and the historic village of Manolas on Thirassia.

Fiji wins Best Island Pacific Rim with its turquoise waters, upscale resorts, pristine beaches and warm Fijian hospitality. The archipelago of 333 islands offers world-class hotels and a variety of activities—snorkeling, diving, jet-boat rides, whitewater rafting and scenic hikes through lush forests.

Adventure seekers should look to New Zealand, named Best Adventure Destination for its roster of thrilling activities set against stunning landscapes. From bungee jumping and skydiving to caving, canyoning and zip-lining, New Zealand delivers high-adrenaline experiences for every level of adventurer.

For history and archaeology lovers, Israel earns Best Historical Attractions, offering iconic sites spanning thousands of years. Highlights include the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Israel Museum, the desert fortress of Masada and the sacred Western Wall.

CONSISTENTLY SAILING at the top is Silversea Cruises, awarded Best Small Ship Cruise Line for the third year running. This ultra-luxury line features itineraries across all seven continents and visits more than 800 destinations, from the Mediterranean and Caribbean to the polar regions.

Royal Caribbean takes Best Large Ship Cruise Line with its Quantum-class ships, including Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas. These vessels introduce first-at-sea features like a skydiving simulator, robotic bartenders, bumper cars, enhanced connectivity and innovative entertainment options.

Celebrity Cruises earns Best Cruise Line Entertainment for its lively onboard programming, from custom productions and European-style circus acts to tribute shows that rival top theater productions. A wide range of guest entertainers—including aerialists, acrobats and musicians—adds to the onboard variety.

Oceania Cruises wins Best Cruise Line Dining, offering diverse gourmet options across its ships. Guests can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at Toscana, steaks at Polo Grill, continental dishes in the Grand Dining Room and made-to-order favorites in the Terrace Café, plus specialty venues such as Jacques and Red Ginger and curated wine-pairing experiences at La Reserve.

Norwegian Cruise Line claims Best Luxury Cruise Line with The Haven, an exclusive ship-within-a-ship enclave offering privacy and personalized service. The Haven provides amenities such as a personal concierge and 24-hour butler, private pool and sundeck, and special dining and service privileges.

Lindblad Expeditions is named Best Adventure Cruise Line for its small-ship exploration voyages to extraordinary destinations like Antarctica and the Galapagos, with unique excursions such as trekking for Komodo dragons or crossing a Patagonia ice field.

Disney Cruise Line earns Best Family Cruise Line by creating high-tech, family-focused ships where kids can enjoy immersive entertainment—like productions from Frozen—while adults relax with upscale dining, world-class spas and adults-only pool areas.

Viking River Cruises is Best River Cruise Line for the third straight year. The European operator expanded its fleet significantly and continues to add award-winning vessels and new itineraries, including upcoming Rhine River routes and the launch of its first ocean ship, Viking Star.

ON LAND, Meliá Hotels International is recognized as the Best Luxury Leisure Hotel Group in the World. With more than 350 hotels across 35 countries and a portfolio of brands including Gran Meliá, Paradisus and ME by Meliá, the group continues expanding luxury properties worldwide.

Westin Hotels & Resorts takes Best Hotel Chain Resorts, offering rejuvenating resort experiences and signature wellbeing amenities like the Heavenly Bed, SuperFoodsRx menu offerings and WestinWORKOUT studios, along with restorative spa treatments.

Vida Hotels and Resorts earns Best Lifestyle Leisure Hotel Group in the World with boutique properties tailored to modern travelers who want contemporary comforts without fuss. Part of Emaar Hospitality Group, Vida operates Vida Downtown Dubai and Manzil Downtown Dubai, featuring tech-forward services and cuisine inspired by Middle Eastern and international flavors.

Hawaiian Airlines is named Best Leisure Airline for its genuine Hawaiian hospitality both in the air and on the ground. As the largest carrier to the islands, Hawaiian operates nonstop service from 11 U.S. gateways and leads in on-time performance. Plans include opening renovated Premier Club lounges offering premium amenities such as free WiFi.

For the second straight year, Global Traveler recognizes four brands with Leisure Travel Special Achievement Awards for exceptional service, environmental leadership, innovation and community engagement.

Etihad Airways receives Outstanding Customized Services for its Residence cabin on the A380 and its Flying Nanny program. The Residence includes a living room, bedroom and en-suite bathroom with shower, plus a personal butler trained at the Savoy Butler Academy. The Flying Nanny service provides childcare support on long-haul flights with trained nannies who engage children through activities and entertainment.

American Airlines is honored for Outstanding Environmental Initiatives in recognition of its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and its participation in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Leaders program.

China Airlines earns Outstanding Innovations for its Family Couch seating on the Boeing 777-300ER, which converts three economy seats into a single flat surface, creating a family-friendly space for long-haul comfort.

British Airways receives Outstanding Social Awareness for its community investments and charity partnerships, supporting more than 40 organizations through programs like Flying Start, which raises funds for children’s health and education initiatives.

Congratulations to the 2015 Leisure Travel Awards winners. May their beaches, adventures and hospitality inspire you to leave the office and explore the world.

Winners’ Circle

Best Beaches
Turks and Caicos

Best Caribbean Island
British Virgin Islands
Second Consecutive Year

Best Island in Europe
Santoríni
Second Consecutive Year

Best Island Pacific Rim
Fiji

Best Adventure Destination
New Zealand

Best Historical Attractions
Israel

Best Small Ship Cruise Line
Silversea Cruises
Third Consecutive Year

Best Large Ship Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean International

Best Cruise Line Entertainment
Celebrity Cruises

Best Cruise Line Dining
Oceania Cruises

Best Luxury Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line

Best Adventure Cruise Line
Lindblad Expeditions

Best Family Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line

Best River Cruise Line
Viking River Cruises
Third Consecutive Year

Best Luxury Leisure Hotel Group in the World
Meliá Hotels International

Best Hotel Chain Resorts
Westin Hotels & Resorts

Best Lifestyle Leisure Hotel Group in the World
Vida Hotels and Resorts

Best Leisure Airline
Hawaiian Airlines

Special Achievement Awards

Outstanding Customized Services
Etihad Airways

Outstanding Environmental Initiatives
American Airlines

Outstanding Innovations
China Airlines

Outstanding Social Awareness
British Airways